❓ Hon Robin Chapple asks about the impact of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) on Western Australia, including investment, emissions reductions, eligible providers, and potential effects of lowering the RET. The Minister provides data on renewable energy capacity and emissions abatement, but is limited in providing specific details on liable entities due to privacy legislation and the Commonwealth Act.
AnsweredQoN 684Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) To date, how much investment in renewable energy sources in Western Australia has resulted from the operation of the Renewable Energy Target (RET)? (2) To date, what quantity of emissions reductions have been driven by the RET in Western Australia? (3) To date, which renewable energy providers in Western Australia are eligible to receive Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), where RECs include: (a) Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs); and (b) Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)? (4) To date, which Western Australian companies are liable entities under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 ? (5) If the RET was lowered from its current level, which renewable energy providers in Western Australia would be affected? (6) If the RET was lowered from its current amount, how would this affect renewable energy investment in Western Australia? (7) If the RET was lowered from its current amount, which Western Australian registered liable entities would benefit?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
26 February 2014
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Energy
Response time
78 days
(1) The Mandatory Renewable Energy Target was introduced by the Commonwealth Government in 2001. Since that time about 514 megawatts of large-scale renewable energy generation capacity has been established in Western Australia. The State has also seen about 344 megawatts of small-scale renewable energy generation capacity accredited under the Renewable Energy Target Scheme.
Renewable energy investments are commercial decisions dependent upon various factors, including incentives provided by the Renewable Energy Target Scheme. The investment in large-scale renewable electricity generation capacity since 2001 cannot be solely attributed to the Scheme.
(2) The primary objective of the Commonwealth Renewable Energy Target Scheme is the development of new electricity generation capacity utilising renewable energy. The Scheme is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator, which holds details of Renewable Energy Certificates.
It is estimated that accredited large scale generation facilities in Western Australia have abated between 7 and 8.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse emissions since 2001.
(3)(a) Large-scale Generation Certificates may be created by a nominated person for a power station accredited under the Renewable Energy Target Scheme. Currently there are 48 Western Australian based generation facilities listed on the Public Register of Accredited Power Stations. A list of these power stations is provided. [Please see tabled paper no........]
(b) Small-scale technology certificates may be created by the owner (or an assigned agent) of an approved solar hot water heater, heat pump or small generation unit, including household photovoltaic systems.
(4) The
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act
2000
(Cth) does not require that the Clean Energy Regulator release details of liable entities. This information is also protected under privacy legislation.
(5) - (7) The effect of any changes to the Renewable Energy Target Scheme would be dependent on the scale of these changes and mechanisms used to implement these arrangements. Effects on liable entities would need to be determined on an individual business basis depending on the nature of changes to the Scheme.
Renewable energy investments are commercial decisions dependent upon various factors, including incentives provided by the Renewable Energy Target Scheme. The investment in large-scale renewable electricity generation capacity since 2001 cannot be solely attributed to the Scheme.
(2) The primary objective of the Commonwealth Renewable Energy Target Scheme is the development of new electricity generation capacity utilising renewable energy. The Scheme is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator, which holds details of Renewable Energy Certificates.
It is estimated that accredited large scale generation facilities in Western Australia have abated between 7 and 8.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse emissions since 2001.
(3)(a) Large-scale Generation Certificates may be created by a nominated person for a power station accredited under the Renewable Energy Target Scheme. Currently there are 48 Western Australian based generation facilities listed on the Public Register of Accredited Power Stations. A list of these power stations is provided. [Please see tabled paper no........]
(b) Small-scale technology certificates may be created by the owner (or an assigned agent) of an approved solar hot water heater, heat pump or small generation unit, including household photovoltaic systems.
(4) The
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act
2000
(Cth) does not require that the Clean Energy Regulator release details of liable entities. This information is also protected under privacy legislation.
(5) - (7) The effect of any changes to the Renewable Energy Target Scheme would be dependent on the scale of these changes and mechanisms used to implement these arrangements. Effects on liable entities would need to be determined on an individual business basis depending on the nature of changes to the Scheme.
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